IPBio- Biodiversity Research Institute
Why choose IPBio- Biodiversity Research Institute?
The Biodiversity Research Institute (IPBio) is a place where research meets conservation. IPBio is a non-governmental, non-profit organization that develops scientific research on biodiversity, ecology and ethology of fauna and flora of Brazilian ecosystems. In 2009, the reserve received accreditation as an "Advanced Outpost of The Atlantic Forest Biosphere Reserve" by UNESCO. IPBio’s mission is t...
The Biodiversity Research Institute (IPBio) is a place where research meets conservation. IPBio is a non-governmental, non-profit organization that develops scientific research on biodiversity, ecology and ethology of fauna and flora of Brazilian ecosystems. In 2009, the reserve received accreditation as an "Advanced Outpost of The Atlantic Forest Biosphere Reserve" by UNESCO. IPBio’s mission is to encourage wildlife conservation, sustainable management and use of natural resources; and promote the development of eco-tourism and cultural projects.IPBio always strives to combine research with education. Our infrastructure was designed to conduct research while simultaneously allow visitors on the reserve to visualize and learn about our native species. Furthermore, IPBio developed various e...
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IPBio- Biodiversity Research Institute Reviews
Hear what past participants have to say about the programs
Overall Rating
Total Reviews
I spent a great month in the Jutuarana reserve.
March 06, 2026by: Maria Di Giovanni - ItalyThe programme is well organised and the activities are explained in detail. The reserve staff were very helpful. We were able to meet people from the local community who are also integrated and involved in the project.
The most fun I've ever had
March 06, 2026by: Benjamin de Vries - NetherlandsI was volunteer for a month, both as research assistent and as photographer/videographer. I loved my time there. Alter do Chao is a really nice city and the people are incredible. The people working for IPBIO are incredible as well, really nice and helpful. For me the only negative was that I expected to be fully in nature, and we are still somewhat in the city, making going into the rainforest more of a hassle. The thing is though that it was the people and the town that eventually made my time there so incredible. Everyone works hard and is there to help you. The house was very comfortable and the living cost quite cheap. If you go, give hugs and kisses to Nala (the cat that lives around the house) for me.
A deep connection with nature through meaningful work in ecological conservation and preservation!
December 17, 2025by: María Ortiz - SpainI volunteered with the IPBio Amazon program for three weeks, and I am truly grateful for this opportunity. It allowed me to experience firsthand what it means to collaborate on ecological projects that have a direct impact on ecosystem preservation and local communities. The staff were incredibly supportive and knowledgeable, always eager to share their passion and expertise with volunteers. Living in such a unique place as Alter do Chão made the experience even more enjoyable, offering a wide range of activities during time off, special shout-out to Carimbó!
IPBio- Biodiversity Research Institute Programs
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IPBio- Biodiversity Research Institute
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IPBio often uses cameras for wildlife research and, as a result, our biologists have developed a passion for photography and filmmaking. Our inte...
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IPBio is looking for a long-term volunteer who can focus on searching for new species of bioluminescent mushrooms, photographing them, and findin...
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IPBio has conducted a tree inventory at one of its trails, about 642 meters long and located in an area of the Brazilian reserve that comprises a...
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Interviews
Read interviews from alumni or staff
Imran Viroomal 2017
Interviewed in 2017
Imran is originally Indian, was born in Spain, lived in the UK for 9 years, in Portugal for another 9, then moved to Canada to study Economics and Pol...
Imran Viroomal 2017
Interviewed in 2017
What inspired you to travel abroad?
Simply put I would say, bioluminescent mushrooms, the long term goal of creating 5 research centers, and although it sounds boring, “organization”. The bioluminescent mushroom program makes IPBio truly unique. Our little town of Iporanga holds approximately 25% of the world's glowing mushrooms. There is so much more research that needs to be done in this field and so many ways to apply the research. From simply finding new species which was a major success in 2017 when a volunteer found 7 new species of glowing mushrooms, to developing our local communities tourism sector by attracting visitor to our town with a museum of bioluminescence. And who knows if we find medical, energy or other interesting uses that come from our fundamental research on these mushrooms. As an economist/political scientist, I always look for the social impact our research would have so while the biologists busy trying to understand the evolutionary emergence of bioluminescence. I fantasize about the ways we could apply the research to the benefit of society and our environment. Not to mention, after searching for these natural lanterns at night in the forest and arriving at a point where the entire floor was glowing green like in Avatar, I was hooked!
Ana Glaucia
Interviewed in 2017
Biologist and post graduate in Management and Conservation of Wildlife, Ana Glaucia was worked at IPBio since 2007. She works as a researcher and wit...
Ana Glaucia
Interviewed in 2017
What inspired you to travel abroad?
What core values do you think are most important at IPBio?
Morgane Holley
Participated in 2017
Morgane Holley is a third culture kid, a nomad to the core, and a tri-national citizen from France, Switzerland, and the United States. Morgane is cur...
Morgane Holley
Participated in 2017
Being the daughter of an American diplomat and a dual French/Swiss citizen I travelled a lot growing up. As cliché as it may sound traveling has proven itself to be more than just a hobby for me but rather a lifestyle. I really do have a hard time staying in one place for too long. Every couple years I feel the tingling desire to embark on a new adventure. I love discovering all the different facets of a country's culture: the food, the art, the traditions, the history, the current geopolitical situation and everything that goes along with it. I truly believe that exploring the world and coming to an understanding and respect of different cultures is one of the greatest forms of education an individual can be lucky enough to experience.
Ready to Learn More?
The Biodiversity Research Institute (IPBio) is a place where research meets conservation. IPBio is a non-governmental, non-profit organization that develops scientific research on biodiversity, ecology and ethology of fauna and flora of Brazilian ecosystems. In 2009, the reserve received accreditation as an "Advanced Outpost of The Atlantic Forest Biosphere Reserve" by UNESCO. IPBio’s mission is to encourage wildlife conservation, sustainable management and use of natural resources; and promote the development of eco-tourism and cultural projects.IPBio always strives to combine research with education. Our infrastructure was designed to conduct research while simultaneously allow visitors on the reserve to visualize and learn about our native species. Furthermore, IPBio developed various e...
IPBio- Biodiversity Research Institute
IPBio- Biodiversity Research Institute
Ready to Learn More?
The Biodiversity Research Institute (IPBio) is a place where research meets conservation. IPBio is a non-governmental, non-profit organization that develops scientific research on biodiversity, ecology and ethology of fauna and flora of Brazilian ecosystems. In 2009, the reserve received accreditation as an "Advanced Outpost of The Atlantic Forest Biosphere Reserve" by UNESCO. IPBio’s mission is to encourage wildlife conservation, sustainable management and use of natural resources; and promote the development of eco-tourism and cultural projects.IPBio always strives to combine research with education. Our infrastructure was designed to conduct research while simultaneously allow visitors on the reserve to visualize and learn about our native species. Furthermore, IPBio developed various e...
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Awards
Check out awards and recognitions IPBio- Biodiversity Research Institute has received
